On 1 January, Brussels slowed down… But not everything is closed, far from it.
It’s the perfect day to sleep in and then enjoy a gentle outing: a trip to the Atomium, a stroll to the Christmas market, a movie or even a getaway to a castle decorated for Christmas.
Here is a selection of activities to do on January 1st in Brussels
🎡 Atomium
The symbol of Brussels, with a 360° panoramic view and exhibitions in the spheres.
- Opening hours on December 25, 2025 : 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last entry and closing of the ticket office at 5:30 p.m.).
- Address : Place de l’Atomium 1, 1020 Brussels (Laeken).
- For whom? : Families with children from ~5 years old and teenagers; Practical with stroller (lifts), but plan a little waiting during the holidays.
🏙️ Mini-Europe
A tour of Europe in miniature, with animated models and small sound effects that really amuse the children.
- Opening hours on December 25, 2025 : 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm).
- Address : Avenue du Football 1 (Bruparck), 1020 Brussels, right at the foot of the Atomium.
- For whom? : Ideal from 4–5 years old to teenagers; perfect to combine with the Atomium on the same day (think of warm clothes, everything is outdoors).
🪑 Design Museum Brussels
A museum dedicated to design and everyday objects, with a large collection of plastic designs.
- Opening hours on December 25, 2025 : 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Address : Place de Belgique, 1020 Brussels (a few minutes’ walk from the Atomium).
- For whom? : Rather for children from 7–8 years old and teenagers curious about art/design; good deal “in the warmth” after Mini-Europe or the Atomium.
🎄 Winter Fun – Brussels Christmas Market
The great Christmas market in Brussels: chalets, entertainment, sound and light and festive atmosphere throughout the city centre.
- Opening hours on December 25, 2025 : 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (early closing at 6 p.m. only on December 24 and 31, plus on January 4).
- Address : Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, Vismet, Place de la Monnaie, Place De Brouckère… (the whole center is animated).
- For whom? : All ages; In a stroller, prefer the early afternoon to avoid the compact crowd of the evening.
⛸ Ice rink & curling rink – Place De Brouckère
A large Christmas ice rink in the heart of the city, with ice curling rinks.
- Opening hours on December 25, 2025 : 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm (from 28/11 to 04/01).
- Address : Place de Brouckère, 1000 Brussels.
- For whom? : Ice rink rather for +6 years old; fun curling with tweens/teens; easily combined with a stroll through the Christmas market.
🎡 Ferris wheel & merry-go-rounds – Sainte-Catherine / Vismet district
Ferris wheel and merry-go-rounds set up in the heart of the Christmas market, to see the whole city illuminated from above.
- Opening hours on 25 December 2025 : In practice 12:00 to 22:00, based on the Plaisirs d’Hiver schedule.
- Address : Place Sainte-Catherine et Vismet (fish market), 1000 Brussels.
- For whom? : Children + teenagers who like soft sensations; Very nice at the end of the day, when all the lights are on.
A large automotive museum that traces the history of the car with more than 200–300 vehicles on display.
- Opening hours on 25 December 2025 : Autoworld is announced to be open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends); As December 25, 2025 is a Thursday, allow 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., subject to exceptional closure.
- Address : Parc du Cinquantenaire 11, 1000 Brussels.
- For whom? : Children who love cars, teenagers, nostalgic parents; Wide route, easy with stroller, good plan if the weather is bad.
📚 Watermarks Library
A huge independent bookstore with a large children’s section, comics and games, open even on public holidays.
- Opening hours on December 25, 2025 : 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Christmas 2025 special).
- Address : Boulevard de Waterloo 25, 1000 Brussels.
- For whom? : Families who want a cocooning Christmas: choose books, sit in the café, stroll in the warmth after a walk in the city.
🎬 A cinema session
When you’re tired of New Year’s Eve, there’s nothing better than a good popcorn movie to end the afternoon or evening.
- Opening hours on 1 January : The major cinemas (UGC De Brouckère, UGC Toison d’Or, Kinepolis Heysel, etc.) generally schedule screenings throughout the day, with a “Sunday/public holiday” rhythm.
- Address : City centre (De Brouckère, Toison d’Or, Ciné Paris), Heysel (Kinepolis) and a few local cinemas.
- For whom?
Families with children and teenagers, depending on the films chosen. Ideal to combine with an outing to the Christmas market or the Heysel.
2. Around Brussels: castles and long walks
🌳 Solvay Regional Estate – Château de La Hulpe
A large castle park less than 30 minutes from Brussels: paths, ponds, view of the castle, ideal for a long New Year’s Eve walk.
- Opening hours on January 1st : Park open every day, usually from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm in winter.
- Address : Domaine régional Solvay, Chaussée de Bruxelles 111, 1310 La Hulpe.
- For whom? Families with strollers, children who need to run, teenagers who like to take “nature/castle” photos.
🏰 Christmas at the castle of Modave
A castle decorated for Christmas, illuminated, with a magical interior path: a very nice visit to prolong the magic of the holidays.
- Opening hours on 1 January: Often open every day during the “Christmas at the Castle” event, e.g. from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm (to be checked for the current year).
- Address: Château de Modave, Rue du Parc 4, 4577 Modave (about 1 hour by car from Brussels).
- For whom? Families with children from 5 years old (many stairs, decorated rooms, interior visit), fans of Christmas decorations.
🏰 Reinhardstein Castle (High Fens)
A real medieval castle perched on a rock, often decorated for Christmas, with a breathtaking landscape of valleys and forests.
- Opening hours on 1 January: During the Christmas event, usually open every day of the holidays (daily times to be checked).
- Address: Château de Reinhardstein, Chemin du Cheneux 50, 4950 Ovifat (1h45–2h drive).
- For whom? Families with children who are good walkers (access on foot), teenagers who are fans of castles and legends, parents who want a real breath of fresh air.
Open January 1st!
Frequently Asked Questions
They run on a “Sunday / public holiday” schedule. It’s more than enough to reach the city center or the Heysel, you just need to plan a little more time.
With little ones: Mini-Europe + walk in the park, Christmas market during the day, bookshop, little ride on the Ferris wheel.
With teenagers: Atomium, ice rink, Ferris wheel, cinema, outing to the Heysel or castle getaway.